Myths of Objectivism and Subjectivism - Essay Example

One of the main arguments in the text is that there is a "mistaken cultural assumption that the only alternative to objectivism is radical subjectivity." (185) So, society believes it is an either/or situation: that you either believe is objectivism, e.g. absolute truth or you believe in subjectivism, e.g. creating the world in your image.Each myth has its own properties. Objectivism is based on categories, concepts, rationality, objects, absolute truth, and fixed meanings. Everything is literal and there is no room for subjectivism.

On the other hand, subjectivism is the extreme opposite. It is based on intuition, impulses, feelings, and imagination. Subjectivism is a more fluid state of being based on feelings versus facts. Subjectivism believes the reliance on objectivity is too impersonal and fact-based. However, the text suggests that objectivism and subjectivism are crucial to each other even though each is the opposite and considered an enemy. They co-exist, but in different proportions in different people. The text says that everyone has both traits, but the degree in each individual varies.

The third choice offered in the text is that of experientialist synthesis. It denies that the only choices are objectivism or subjectivism. Through the use of myth, or metaphor, we are able to unite logic, reason (objectivity) with imagination (subjectivity). Experientialist synthesis is the "way we understand the world through our interactions with it." (194)So to summarize the text, it offers definitions of two ways of experiencing reality: objectivism and subjectivism, defining both as myths.

Then the text offers the third choice of experimentalist synthesis as a way to integrate the two and offer a way of understanding the world through direct contact and experience.Questions:2. What is the text about, generally speakingThe text is about the differences between objectivism and subjectivism and how they are both based on myth. The text offers a third option that synthesizes the two theories.3. What is the text about, more specificallyThe text explores the various myths associated with objectivism and subjectivism.

It separates the two and lists the qualities of each. The text details a myth and why both of these are considered "myths". Then the text explores in lesser detail, the third option of experientialist synthesis-that both objectivism and subjectivism miss the inclusion of our interactions with the world as a determinant.